Richie McCaw's former coach: 'I'm sure he's got another few years left in him'

Richie McCaw remains tight-lipped about whether his performance in the Rugby World Cup final yesterday was his last in the black jersey.

The 34-year-old said he was happy to enjoy the moment, rather than look to future after winning back-to-back world cup titles.

Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith have definitely played their last test match and McCaw is expected to join them in retirement.

Coach Steve Hansen has said he would step down in 2017.

There was a "small part" of the McCaw which was sad at the thought, but the players were focused on enjoying their last moments together, he told a press conference in London.

"Right now it's just great being able to walk around with loose shoulders and a grin on your face."

McCaw's former Otago Boys' High School coach Brian Ashwin told Radio New Zealand he believed the 34-year-old had a few more years to go with the All Blacks.

"Young Richie McCaw was very resilient ... he persevered. I'm sure he's got another few years left in him," he said.

Kurow Hotel owner Ross Paton has decorated his hotel with clippings on McCaw's career since it began.

He told Radio New Zealand McCaw should step away from the game while he was on top.
"I would think now would be a good time to retire," he said.

Asked whether he would throw away his running shoes or relax his diet, McCaw said he had not thought much about how he would reward himself.

"To be honest, I've been really tough on myself in terms of not looking past today. But I am going to enjoy not worrying about those sorts of things.

"I love going for a run because it makes you feel good, but nice not having to. Not having in the back of your mind every day, 'what do I need to do' to make sure I'm right for whatever down the track."

That extra time to "do whatever" is the reward for getting the job done, but McCaw conceded he would still have more time on his hands if the result had gone the other way.